When “Exceptional” is Not a Good Thing

This is serious folks

It’s bad news: 58 % of California is in what is called “exceptional” drought. I can’t write about the drought with any authority but I can share with you some of the ways I save water around the home.

Save the water you steam or boil vegetables in. Let it cool and water your plants.

Same with hard-boiled eggs. Some of the calcium in the shells will leach into the water which is good for plants.

Place a gallon bucket in the shower to catch water while it’s warming up.

Drop an ice cube on the floor? Don’t toss it in the sink! Put it in the dog’s bowl or a potted plant.

Have an aquarium? Next time you clean it, water the plants with the water. Plants absolutely love fish poop!

Rinse fruits and vegetables in a bowl of water instead of under running water.

Remove part of your lawn, create planting beds, and fill with drought-tolerant plants.

Drive your car onto the lawn when you wash it. Use simple soaps, like dishwashing liquid, which the grass can easily neutralize.

Use the garbage disposal sparingly. Start a compost bin to throw those veggie and fruit scraps in.

Use mulch in garden beds. It helps the soil retain moisture.

My husband teases me sometimes because I’m a bit of a fanatic when it comes to not wasting water. But I don’t mind because I know that I’m doing the right thing for me, my plants, and for my community. Saving water might seem like a pain in the butt but once you start doing it, it becomes routine and a matter of habit. Remember – Every Drop Counts.